Indigenous Knowledge of Herbal Medicines among Adolescents in Amassoma, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

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1 Global Journal of Health Science; Vol. 8, No. 1; 2016 ISSN E-ISSN Published by Canadian Center of Science and Education Indigenous Knowledge of Herbal Medicines among Adolescents in Amassoma, Bayelsa State, Nigeria Gideon O. Alade 1, Ese Okpako 1, Kola K. Ajibesin 1 & Olanrewaju R. Omobuwajo 1 1 Department of Pharmacognosy & Herbal Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria Correspondence: Gideon O. Alade, Department of Pharmacognosy & Herbal Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Tel: aladegideon@yahoo.com, gideon.alade@ndu.edu.ng Received: September 22, 2014 Accepted: October 24, 2014 Online Published: May 20, 2015 doi: /gjhs.v8n1p237 URL: Abstract Background: The use of herbal medicines in Nigeria is on the increase. Documented Population based data on the use of herbal medicinal products and indigenous knowledge among the younger generations are lacking in Nigeria and Africa at large. Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the extent of use and general knowledge of herbal medicines among adolescents in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. Methods: The study covered a total of Two hundred and twenty-eight adolescents randomly selected in Senior Secondary Schools (SSS 1-3) in Amassoma using a semi structured questionnaire/interview and informal conversation on the respondents. Findings: Nearly all (97%) the respondents have had contact with herbs. Less than 1% had contact with herbs through formal education (teachers/literatures). Stimulation of interest was majorly through parents (53%). Grandparents were the highest (46%) of custodian of indigenous knowledge. Parents were the next (39.7%). Only 39% of the respondents would prefer the use of herbal medicine to modern medicine. Fever was the main ailment mentioned followed by eye ailment and stomach ache. Vernonia amygdalina was the main plant for the treatment of fever. Conclusion: The study revealed that parents are the major custodians of knowledge being transferred to the younger generation and little or none is learnt from Schools. There is therefore the need to include the study of herbal medicines in School s curricula especially at SS 2 and SS 3 since they are matured enough to appreciate the importance of Herbal medicine so as to prepare them for the promotion of herbal medicine in future and to preserve our indigenous knowledge. Keywords: herbal medicines, indigenous knowledge, secondary schools, Niger Delta 1. Introduction Herbal medicines are drugs made from herbs or plants. They are also commonly referred to as phytomedicines, plant medicines, green medicines, traditional medicine potions, traditional remedies, plant drugs and forest health products among others (Osemene, 2011, Elujoba, 1998). They are also referred to as finished labelled medicinal products that contain as active ingredients aerial or underground parts of plants or other plant materials or combinations thereof whether in the crude state or as plant preparations (WHO, 1996). Plant products include juices, gums, fatty oils and other secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids, anthraquinones, saponins among others. They may also contain standard excipients in addition to the active ingredients. Exceptionally, in some countries herbal medicine may also contain by tradition, natural organic or inorganic active ingredients which are not of plant origin (WHO, 1996). Over 80% of people living in developing countries depend on herbal medicines as their immediate choice in the treatment of diseases showing its relevance and importance in Primary Health Care (Moody, 2007). In 1976, about a quarter of the prescription drugs dispensed by community pharmacy in the United States contained at least one active ingredient derived from plants (Farnsworth & Morries, 1976). Currently, dispensing herbs/active ingredients is on the increase as herbal medicine is becoming more popular (Ekor, 2013). The WHO estimate of population that has used some 237

2 form of alternative or complementary medicine including Ayurvedic, homeopathic, naturopathic, traditional oriental and Native American Indian medicine in developing countries is between 70 and 80 % (Oreagba & Oshikoya, 2011). Herbal medicines have been recognised by the WHO as the most popular form of traditional medicine, and thus, highly lucrative in the international medicine market. Annual revenues in Western Europe were estimated at US$ 5 billion in , in China the revenue was estimated at US$ 14 billion in 2005, and in Brazil it was US$ 160 million in 2007 (Oreagba & Oshikoya, 2011). The increasing widespread use of Traditional medicine has prompted the WHO to promote its integration into the national health care systems of some countries and to encourage the development of national policy and regulations as essential indicators of the level of integration of such medicine into a national health care system (Oreagba & Oshikoya, 2011). Also in Nigeria, approximately 205 medicinal plant species are prevalent in nature (FEPA, 1992). Traditional medicine in Nigeria is as old as the people and it is growing in importance and this has made the Federal Government of Nigeria to formulate a traditional medicine policy and to establish a Traditional Medicine Council to regulate practice and encourage research in five core areas (herbal medicine, bone setting, mental health, traditional birth attendance and sale of traditional medicine ingredients (Chesa, 2006). Herbal medicines are by far less concentrated, less toxic and are used in much lower doses than orthodox medicine which in its concentrated drug formulations are designed to target and reverse specific pathologies in the minimum of time (Osemene, 2011; Ohuabunwa, 1998; Moody, 2007). The plants used in herbal medicine have been found to carry their own in-built safety mechanisms. Furthermore, they are ideal tools to restore damaged physiological processes since they consist of a multiplicity of chemical components which act synergistically to make active constituents bio available or to buffer the otherwise potentially powerful active principles thus preventing harmful side effects (Osemene, 2011, Moody, 2007). Herbal medicine has its root in prehistory making every bit as ancient tradition as farming or cooking. In the Graeco-Roman era, Hippocrates (father of medicine), Theophrastus (father of Botany), Galen (originator of pharmaceutical galenicals) and Dioscoroides were all herbalists (Osemene, 2011; Moody, 2007). Globally, people developed unique indigenous healing traditions adapted and defined by their culture, beliefs and environment, which satisfied the health needs of their communities over centuries (Oreagba & Oshikoya, 2011). Previous studies of herbal medicine use in Nigeria were focused on adults with various forms of chronic illnesses (Danesi & Adetunji, 1994; Amira & Okubadejo, 2007; Ogbera et al., 2010), pregnant women (Fakeye et al., 2009) and children with chronic illnesses (Oshikoya et al., 2008) and among a general population without chronic health conditions. No study has ever been evaluated in Nigeria or other African countries on younger population to know if there is transfer of knowledge of herbal medicine from the older population to the younger ones of age range between 14 and 18 years. This study was therefore aimed to assess the extent of use and the general knowledge, benefits and safety of herbal medicines among Senior Secondary School Students resident in Amassoma in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. 2. Methodology Description of Study Area Amassoma is the head quarter of Ogboin clan as well as Ogboin-North Rural Development Authority in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State (Figure 1). It is the host community to the Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island Bayelsa. It is located about 40 km to the South of Yenagoa; the State capital. It is on an altitude of 512 above sea level, bounded in the North by River Nun, West by Otuan, East by Toru Ebeni and the South by Ogobiri. It is the biggest town in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area. The area has a coastline of approximately 60 km on the Bight of Bonny. It has an area of 2,682 km 2 and a population of 319,413 (Federal Government of Nigeria, 2007) 238

3 Figure 1. Map of Southern Ijaw showing Amassoma The study covered the only two Secondary Schools having Senior (SS 1 to SS 3) classes in Amassoma. Students in the Senior Secondary classes were involved. Permission was sought from the School management. A total of Two hundred and twenty-eight (228) students were present in these classes. Only 164 (72%) students responded and finally selected for the study through a purposive and convenience sampling process. Furthermore, semi structured questionnaires/ interviews amidst informal conversation on the respondents whose opinions were sought on their knowledge of herbal medicine. The questionnaires had two components: Demography and Indigenous knowledge on herbal medicines. The participants were allowed to give the vernacular names of the plants while some were identified at site. The results of the pre-tested questionnaires were used to make necessary modifications and corrections on the questionnaires and interview guides. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentages. 3. Results and Discussion Demography Males were more in all the three arms of the classes with 54% except in S. S. S 2 with a higher number of females (54%). It has been reported that Bayelsa state is among the States in Nigeria with low girl child education probably due to under age child bearing and poverty (Punch Newspaper, Oct., 2013). Age range of years was the highest in terms of the number of respondents (86% of students in this category) and the majority (82%) speaks Ijaw language apart from English which is the medium of communication in Nigerian schools (Table 1). Table 1. Demographical Data of the study Population GENDER SS1 SS2 SS3 TOTAL MALE (54 %) FEMALE (46 %) AGE 9 TO (6 %) 14 TO (86 %) > (8 %) LANGUAGE IJAW (82.2 %) YORUBA (1.2 %) IBO (3.1 %) HAUSA (0 %) OTHERS (3.1 %) COMBINATION (10.4 %) 239

4 3.1 Contact With Herbs Nearly all the respondents (97%) have had contact with herbs. The highest medium of contact was through usage (approximately 40%), 25% acquired knowledge on herbs through their parents. This is different from a report in which 80% acquired their knowledge through parents among Secondary and Grammar School students in Slovenia (Strgar et al., 2013). While 37% had contact through a combination of usage, parents, Teachers and media, only less than 1 % had it through their teachers/literature. This agrees with the case in Slovenia in which it was found that little or nothing on the subject was learnt in school (Strgar et al., 2013). Their stimulation of interest was majorly from their parents (53%), followed by their Grand parents (22%). Others were through combinations of parents, grandparents, herbalists and other relations. This showed that parents are still eager to transfer their indigenous knowledge to their children. Twenty percent of respondents believed that their interest in herbal medicine is high, while majority (52%) showed a middle rating in their interest and 27% showed low interest. Approximately 90% has used herbal medicines at one time or the other whether once, a few times, frequently or occasionally, while only 10% have never taken it before. Out of the 90%, about 26% takes it frequently. Out of these 90% users, approximately 70% are highly satisfied with the effectiveness of herbal medicine.the remaining had a low satisfaction (31%) (Table 2). Table 2. Contact of Respondents to herbal medicines CONTACT WITH HERBS SS 1 SS 2 SS 3 TOTAL YES (97 %) NO (3.1 %) MEDIUM OF CONTACT USAGE (39.6 %) PARENTS (25.2 %) TEACHERS/LITERATURE (0.6 %) MEDIA (8.8 %) OTHERS (2.5 %) COMBINATION (23.3 %) STIMULATION OF INTEREST PARENTS (53 %) GRAND PARENTS (22 %) RELATIONS (5.5 %) HERBALIST (0.6 %) OTHERS (11 %) COMBINATION (7.9 %) NONE LEVEL OF INTEREST LOW (27.4 %) MIDDLE (52.4 %) HIGH (20.1 %) NONE (0 %) NO OF TIMES HERBS HAVE BEEN TAKEN ONCE (19.5 %) FEW (32.1 %) FREQUENT (26.4 %) 240

5 OCCASSIONAL (13.2 %) NONE (8.8 %) LEVEL OF SATISFACTION LOW (31 %) HIGH (69 %) NONE (0 %) 3.2 Knowledge of Medicinal Plants Grandparents were the highest (46%) custodian of knowledge on medicinal plants in their family followed by their parents with about 40%. Out of the latter, mothers had more knowledge on medicinal plants than fathers with approximately 60%. Women have been recognized as users and custodians of plant biodiversity. In countries like Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, Viet Nam, Indonesia and India, they are responsible for the selection, improvement and storage of seeds and management. Women from sub-saharan Africa grow over 120 different plant varieties in small areas alongside cash crops (Deda & Rubian, 2004). In a study in Sierra Leone, women could name 31 uses of trees on fallow land and in the forest, while men named eight different uses (Aguilar, 2004). Women have a unique relationship with biodiversity across the globe; they predominate as wild plant gatherers, home gardeners, plant domesticators, herbalists and seed custodians. Majority (55%) would prefer modern medicine to herbal medicines (39%), while 6% would prefer to opt for both since from their perception, they work synergistically. Out of the 39% that preferred herbal medicine, 61% of them would prefer herbal medicine for its effectiveness, affordability, accessibility and safety. Only 43% would like to attend a course on herbal medicine if there was an opportunity as against about 94% in the case of Slovenia probably because they think herbal medicine is enmeshed in esoterism or does not yet enjoy official recognition by Government. Thirty-one percent (31%) gave a positive response that they would like to practise herbal medicine. A previous report has shown that the younger generation does not seem to have much trust in the traditional medicine system which may be attributed to increasing use of allelopathic medicines which are readily available and considered potent. Up to 85% of respondents had knowledge of medicinal plants and about 95% of these medicinal plants mentioned grow or are cultivated around the home. Approximately 90% could identify the common plants growing around them, 83.5% of them can prepare them for use and up to 90% of these has at one time or the other been involved in self-treatment or prescription (Table 3). Table 3. Knowledge of herbal medicine by the Respondents BEST KNOWLEDGE OF MEDICINAL PLANTS IN THE FAMILY SS 1 SS 2 SS 3 TOTAL MOTHER (24 %) FATHER (15.7 %) GRAND PARENTS (46 %) OTHERS (10.7 %) COMBINATION (2.5 %) NONE (1.9 %) PREFERENCE OF MEDICINE HERBAL MEDICINE (39 %) MODERN MEDICINE (55 %) EQUAL (5.5 %) NONE (0.6 %) REASON HERBAL MEDICINE EFFECTIVE (42.2 %) 241

6 AFFORDABLE (4.7 %) ACCESSIBLE (9.4 %) NATURAL AND SAFE (4.3 %) COMBINATION (32.8 %) MODERN EFFECTIVE (53.3 %) ACCESSIBLE (7.8 %) SUBJECTED TO SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH (13.3 %) PRESENTABLE (6.7 %) CIVILIZATION (1.1 %) SAFE (2.1 %) COMBINATION (15.6 %) EQUAL BOTH CAN WORK TOGETHER NONE RELIGIOUS BELIEF COURSE ON HERBAL MEDICINE YES (42.7 %) NO (57.3 %) PRACTICE OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINE YES (30.5 %) NO (69.5 %) KNOWLEDGE OF MEDICINAL PLANTS YES (84.8 %) NO (15.2 %) ARE THEY CULTIVATED AROUND THE HOME YES (95 %) NO (5 %) PLANT IDENTIFICATION YES (89.2 %) NO (10.8 %) PREPARATION OF HERBAL MEDICINE YES (83.5 %) NO (16.5 %) SELF TREATMENT/PRESCRIPTION YES (90 %) NO (10 %) 3.3 Plant Species Fever was the main ailment treated with Vernonia amygdalina, Carica papaya and Citrus x aurantifolia while Eye ailment was for Ocimum gratissimum and Telfairia occidentalis is for boosting blood (Table 4). When the plant species were categorized into 29 families, it was observed that the most cited one was Asteraceae (10.26%), followed by the family Euphorbiaceae (7.69%) (Table 5). These two families have also been reported to be 242

7 predominant in an ethnobotanical inventories carried out in some Southern parts of Nigeria (Uzodimma, 2013, Obata & Aigbokhan, 2012). Table 4. Medicinal plants mentioned by the students and their uses Plant Family Common names Main disease 1 Acalypha wikesiana Muell Arg Euphorbiaceae Acalypha Skin infection 2 Aframomum melegueta K. Schum Zingiberaceae Alligator pepper Wound 3 Ageratum conyzoides L. Asteraceae Goat weed Eye 4 Allium cepa L. Alliaceae Onion Fainting 5 Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f Aloaceae Aloe vera Eye 6 Ananas comosus Merr. Bromeliaceae Pineapple Measles 7 Azdirachta indica A. Juss Meliaceae Neem Fever 8 Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam) Oken Crassulaceae Never die Cough 9 Capsicum frutescens L. Solanaceae Pepper Wound 10 Carica papaya L. Caricaceae Pawpaw Fever 11 Chromolaena odorata (L.) King & H.E Asteraceae Robins Christmas bush Bleeding 12 Citrus x aurantifolia Burn.f. Myrtaceae Lime Fever 13 Citrus x sinensis Osbeck Rutaceae Orange Energy/appetite 14 Cola nitida (Vent.) Schott &Endl. Sterculiaceae Kola nut Skin infection 15 Corchorus olitorius L. Tiliaceae Jute leaf Skin beauty 16 Costus afer Ker Gawl Costaceae Monkey sugar cane Chicken pox 17 Cymbopogon citratus DC Stapf. Poaceae Lemon grass Fever 18 Elaeis guineensis Jacq. Arecaceae Palm kernel Fever 19 Ficus exasperata L Moraceae Fig tree Blood 20 Garcinia kola Heckel Clusiaceae Bitter cola Cough 21 Helianthus anuus L Asteraceae sun flower Bleeding 22 Hibiscus esculentus (L.) Moench Malvaceae Okro Bite 23 Ipomea batatas L. Convovulaceae Potato Pile 24 Jatropha tanjorensis Ellis &Saroja Euphorbiaceae Hospital too far Blood 25 Solanum lycopersicum L Solanaceae Tomato Blood 26 Mangifera indica L. Anacardiaceae Mango Fever 27 Manihot esculenta Crantz Euphorbiaceae Cassava Bite/inflammation 28 Moringa oleifera L. Moringaceae Moringa Eye 29 Musa paradisiaca L. Musaceae Plantain Chicken pox 30 Ocimum gratissimum L. Lamiaceae Scent leaf Eye 31 Pennisetum purpureum L Poaceae Elephant grass Fever 32 Persea americana Mill Lauraceae Avocadro pear Arthritis 33 Phyllanthus amarus Schum. & Thonn. Phyllathaceae Phyllanthus Labour induction 34 Psidium guajava L. Rutaceae Guava Stomach ache 35 Talinium trangulare (Jacq.) Willd. Portulacaceae Water leaf Pain 36 Telfairia occidentalis Hook. F Cucurbitaceae Fluted pumpkin Blood 37 Tetrapleura tetraptera Taub. Leguminosae-Mimosaceae Tetrapleura Ulcer 243

8 38 Uvaria chamae P. Beauv. Annonaceae Bush pepper Skin infection 39 Vernonia amygdalina Delile Asteraceae Bitter leaf Fever OTHERS 40 Cray fish Blood 41 Fresh egg Blood 42 Honey Arthritis 43 Male lizard Cough 44 Snake Skin rashes Table 5. Medicinal Plant families mentioned by the students Families Occurrence % Occurrence Aliaceae Aloaceae Anarcadaceae Annonaceae Arecaceae Asteraceae Bromeliaceae Caricaceae Convovulaceae Costaceae Crassulaceae Cucurbitaceae Euphorbiaceae Gutiferae Lamiaceae Lauraceae Leguminosae-Mimosaceae Malvaceae Meliaceae Moraceae Moringaceae Musaceae Myrtaceae Poaceae Portulaccaceae Rutaceae Solanaceae Sterculiaceae Tiliaceae Zingiberaceae

9 3.4 Disease Category Fever was the most frequently mentioned singular disease with 43% citation having Vernonia amygdalina as the most cited plant species for it (37%). This agrees with the findings from Portharcourt metropolis in the Niger Delta Region, in which most of the plants cited were used to treat malaria fever, underlying the importance of this disease in the region (Nwazuoma & Dappa, 2013). Malaria has been reported as the world s most important parasitic disease. Nearly half of her population is exposed to malaria. An estimate of 3.3 billion people was at risk in 2011 with Sub-saharan Africa having the highest risk (Kasali et al., 2014; Ibrahim et al., 2012; Adebayo & Kretti, 2011). It is endemic in Nigeria, accounting for a quarter of all cases in the Sub-saharan Africa (Omosun et al., 2013), with about 97% of the population at risk (FMOH, 2009). It also accounted for nearly 110 million clinically diagnosed cases of fever yearly and an estimate of annual infant and children under five mortality of about 25% and 30% respectively (FMOH, 2009). It is also responsible for an estimated maternal mortality of 11%. Apart from the direct health impact, the annual social and economic burden in form of treatment cost, prevention cost and loss of man hours, is estimated to be about 132 billion naira (Kunle et al., 2013). The Bayelsa State Ministry of Health has also identified malaria as the lead cause of 210 deaths recorded in the State in Out of the 210 cases of deaths that occurred in about 35 different diseases under the public health sector surveillance, malaria was said to have led the pack with 102 deaths in 2011 (Daily Trust, Feb. 28, 2012). Niger Delta Region experiences the highest amounts of rain fall in Nigeria receiving over 4000 mm (157.5 in) annually thus the terrain is characterized by marshy areas which encourage the breeding of mosquitoes. Next to fever in rank was eye ailment (9.1%), the most cited plant species for it was Ocimum gratissimum (10.8%). These were followed by Blood diseases (6.6%), Stomach ache (7%), Bleeding (4%) with the most cited plant species as Telfairi aoccidentalis (8.7%), Citrus aurantifolia (3.5%) and Vernonia amygdalina (6.9%) respectively (Table 6, Appendices 1a, b, and c). When the diseases were categorized, fever ranked highest among the categories of diseases cited by the respondents (45%), 13.5% of plant species were mentioned for this category. Next to it was haematological conditions which had 13% citation and 13.5% plant species mentioned for it. Others were gastrointestinal disorders (10.6%), ophthalmology (9.4%) and musculoskeletal ailments (6.4%) with 15 %, 6.8% and 13.5% number of species of plants cited respectively (Table 7). Table 6. Category of ailments and most cited medicinal plants for treatment s/n Disease Citation % citation most cited plant (s) citation of % citation of of disease plant for plant for Disease Disease 1 Acne Citrus aurantifolia Apetite Citrus sinensis Capsicum frutescens Arthritis Ocimum gratissimum Persea americana Asthma Allium cepa Bleeding 19 4 Vernonia amygdalina Blood Telfairia occidentalis Body tonic Ocimum gratissimum Catarrh Ocimum gratissimum Chicken pox Musa paradisiaca Azadirachta indica Costus afer Conjunctivitis Musa paradisiaca Cough Garcinia kola Diabetes Vernonia amygdalina Diarrhoea Vernonia amygdalina

10 Ocimum gratissimum Dislocation Capsicum frutescens Aframomum melegueta Dry throat Capsicum frutescens Ear infection Bryophyllum pinnatum Eczema Bryophyllum pinnatum Energy Telfairia occidentalis Eye Ocimum gratissimum Fainting Allium cepa Headache Ocimum gratissimum Hernia Tetrapleura tetraptera High Blood Pressure Moringa oleifera Inflammation Ocimum gratissimum Garcinia kola Labour induction Phyllanthus amarus Malaria Vernonia amygdalina Massaging Elaeisis guineensis Measles Vernonia amygdalina Menstrual pain Musa paradisiaca Navel healing Bryophyllum pinnatum Pain Citrus aurantifolia Moringa oleifera Pile Ipomea batatas Ringworm Aloe vera Skin beauty Telfairia occidentalis Cochorus olitorius Skin infection Ocimum gratissimum Snake/ scorpion Bite Manihot esculenta Hibiscus esculentus Stomach ache 33 7 Citrus aurantifolia Stomach ulcer Tetrapleura tetraptera Typhoid Carica papaya Weight control Ocimum gratissimum Cochorus olitoriu Citrus aurantifolia Worm expeller Citrus aurantifolia Wound Ocimum gratissimum

11 Table 7. Categories of Prevalent diseases in the study area Disease category citation % citation Number of specie % Number of specie 1 Cardiovascular diseases Dermatology Fever Gastrointestinal tract Haematology Metabolic diseases Musculoskeletal Obstetrics and Gynaecology Ophthalmology Respiratory /Ear Nose & throat Structural diseases Plant s Habits and Plant Parts Used As Medicines Approximately 33% of the herbal medicines mentioned were from shrub, 30% were obtained from trees, 27.5% from herbs while 10% were shared equally between grass and climbers (Tables 8 and Figure 2). Majority (84%) of the herbal medicines mentioned were obtained from leaf while root produced the least (0.2%) (Figure 3). The use of leaves could be justified by the abundance of chemical groups they contain. In fact, leaves are known as the main synthesis site of secondary metabolites in plants and are the most commonly used plant parts by traditional medicine practitioners (Katemo et al., 2012; Lavergne & Vera, 1998; Idowu et al., 2010; Pousset, 1989; Moswa, 2005). This also constitutes an advantage as harvesting leaves on a sustainable manner ensures continuity of the plant. Table 8. Plant habits Medicinal palnts Family Habits Acalypha wikesiana Muell Arg Euphorbiaceae Shrub Aframomum melegueta K. Schum Zingiberaceae Herb Ageratum conyzoides L. Asteraceae Shrub Allium cepa L. Aliaceae Herb Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f Aloaceae Shrub Ananas comosus Merr. Bromeliaceae Herb Azdirachta indica A. Juss Meliaceae Shrub Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam) Oken Crassulaceae Herb Capsicum frutescens L. Solanaceae Shrub carica papaya L. Caricaceae Tree Chromolaena odorata (L.) King & H.E Robins Asteraceae Shrub Citrus aurantifolia Burn.f Myrtaceae Tree Citrus sinensis Osbeck Rutaceae Tree Cola nitida (Vent.) Schott &Endl. Sterculiaceae Tree Corchorus olitorius L. Tiliaceae Herb Costus afer Ker Gawl Costaceae Shrub 247

12 Cymbopogon citratus DC Stapf. Poaceae Herb/Grass Elaeis guineensis Jacq. Arecaceae Tree Ficus exasperata L Moraceae Tree Garcinia kola Heckel Gutiferae Tree Hibiscus esculentus (L.) Moench Malvaceae Herb Ipomea batatas L. Convovulaceae Climber Jatropha tanjorensis Ellis & Saroja Euphorbiaceae Shrub Solanum lycopersicum L. Herb Mangifera indica L. Anarcadiaceae Tree Manihot esculenta Crantz Euphorbiaceae Shrub Moringa oleifera L. Moringaceae Tree Musa paradisiaca L. Musaceae Shrub Ocimum gratissimum L. Lamiaceae Shrub Pennisetum purpureum L. Poaceae Herb/Grass Persea americana Mill Lauraceae Tree Phyllanthus amarus Schum. & Thonn. Euphorbiaceae Herb Psidium guajava L. Rutaceae Tree Talinium trangulare (Jacq.) Willd. Portulaccaceae Herb Telfairia occidentalis Hook. F Cucurbitaceae Climber Tetrapleura tetraptera Taub. Leguminosae-Mimosaceae Tree Uvaria chamae P. Beauv. Annonaceae Shrub Vernonia amygdalina Delile Asteraceae Shrub Figure 2. Different plant habits of the medicinal plants mentioned by the students 248

13 Figure 3. The plant parts used for their medicinal value mentioned by the students 3.6 Similarity of Use Plants like Vernonia amygdalina, Ocimum gratissimum, Carica papaya, Mangifera indica, Citrus x aurantifolia and Azadirachta indica which were mentioned in this study for fever have also been reported in the literature for use as such (Ezekwesili, 2004; Ige, 2011; Challand & Willcox; 2009). However, the use of Vernonia amygdalina which was the most cited for fever is not very common in most studies in Nigeria (Dike et al., 2012; Obata & Aigbokhan, 2012). Plants like Mangifera indica and Azadirachta indica are not commonly available in the Niger Delta as in the other parts of Nigeria; this may be the reason for their being less mentioned. Most of the leaves of Azadirachta indica being used for the treatment of malaria are obtained from the markets. Majority of these students have not seen the cultivated tree before. 3.7 Miscellaneous Sources of Medicines A few respondents in addition to various plant species mentioned, cited oil from snakes, raw cray fish, raw eggs and male lizards as sources of medicines. Traditional medicines are diverse health practices, approaches, knowledge and beliefs that incorporate animal in addition to plants (Oreagba & Oshikoya, 2011). 3.8 Mode of Preparation of Recipes Water is the most used solvent for the preparation of the recipes (Table 9). This confirms the reports of several other authors (Kasali, 2014; Dibong et al., 2011; Saoud et al., 2010). In fact, water is the cheapest and the most available solvent that can dissolve a high number of metabolites and high temperature permits a rapid extraction of active ingredients. However, some of these metabolites can be degraded by heat. Salts were added occasionally probably as a preservative especially when the solvent of preparation was water. Illicit gin was also sometimes used and in this case salt would be unnecessary. 249

14 Table 9. Method of preparation of Plants Plant Uses Method of preparation Mode of application/dosage 1 Bitter leaf Fever Crushed in water/chew leaf Internal use; 1 shot x 3 till recovery Wound Mix juice with soap External; x 2 till recovery Eye Crushed and apply juice External; 1 drop x 2 till recovery Typhoid Internal; 1 shotx 1 for a week/ 2 Pawpaw Decoction fever/malaria Internal; Inhale at night 3 Mango Malaria fever Decoction, salt may be added Internal;1 shot x 2 for 1week 4 Scent leaf Eye Crushed leaf and apply juice External; apply as needed Wound Crushed and apply juice, salt/palm oil may be added Oral use Concoction Internal use; 1 shot x 3 till recovery. Catarrh Decoction Inhalation; at night as needed Eye Crushed leaf and apply juice Eye; 2 drops x 3 5 Never die Stomach ache Chew Chew one or two leaves as needed 6 Lemon grass Fever Decoction 1shot twice for 1 week 7 Moringa leaf Pain Infusion 8 Fluted pumpkin 9 Lime 10 Alligator pepper 11 Aloe vera Blood Malaria Weight loss Malaria Chew leaf, grind seed in water and infuse, beverage can be added Extract juice in water/ add pawpaw leaf, mango stem bark/leaves and boil mix juice with honey Infuse leaf/fruit / lick 1-2 teaspoonful thrice daily, 1-2 seeds thrice daily 1 glass as needed Cough Chew seed 1-2 seedsas needed Juice/skin Add salt to bitter leaf and extract juice and mix with juice External; Bathe as required inhale, I up twice daily orally Internal; One glass a day until result shows Internal; One glass a day until result shows External; Apply twice daily Oral Boil leaf Internal; 1 tea cup with corn pap twice daily Eye Squeeze juice Instil into the eyeonce a day Labour induction Chew Internal; Chew leaf once a day for two weeks 12 Kola nut Skin infection Decoction of root External; Bathe with it twice daily 13 Cassava Pain Chew leaf with gin Internal; Chew twice daily Pound fresh leaf with ash External; Rub twice daily 14 Plantain Chicken pox/measles Collect sap External; Apply twice daily on skin for measles/ 1 shot once daily orally 15 Guava Cough/ulcer Chew aerial part Internal; chew 3-4 leaves as needed 16 Tetraptera Ulcer Mix with alligator pepper /Tincture Internal; 1 shot daily until relief 17 Orange Energy/appetite Add leaf to lime / Decoction Internal; 1 shot thrice daily 18 Jute leaf Skin beauty Decoction Internal; Drink like tea 250

15 19 Fig tree Blood Soak in water Internal; Drink like tea 20 Acalypha Skin infection Decoction 21 Neem Malaria Add scent leaf, bitter leaf and lime/tincture Internal; 1 spoonful twice daily/ External; bathe with it Internal; 1 shot thrice daily until relief 22 Christmas bush Bleeding Squeeze leaf External; Apply juice on affected part 23 Palm kernel Fever Extract oil from seed External; Apply/rub at night 24 Avocadro pear Arthritis Infusion/honey may be added External; 1 glass once a day until result shows 25 Pepper Fever/wound Decoction/pound the seed Internal; 1 shot twice daily/ External: apply pounded seed twice daily 26 Sunflower Bleeding Squeeze juice External; Apply as needed 27 Never die Cough Heat the leaf and extract juice Internal; 1 teaspoonful juice twice a day External; apply to the skin twice a day/ massage 28 Male lizard Cough Concoction Internal; Take once 29 Snake Skin rashes Extract oil External; Rub twice daily 30 Elephant grass Fever Decoction Internal; 1 shot twice daily 31 Potato Measles Decoction Internal; 1 spoonful thrice daily 32 Bush pepper Skin infection Chew seed Internal; Chew 1-2 seeds daily 33 Bitter cola Cough Chew and drink illicit gin Internal; 1 2 seed twice daily 34 Tomato Blood Add to ugu juice Internal; 1 cup as required 35 Onion Fainting Extract juice/ extract leaf with Eye; Apply to the eye beverage Internal; 1 cup as needed in asthma 36 Water leaf Blood Extract in water Internal; 1 shot thrice daily 37 Cray fish Blood Fresh Eat fresh once daily 38 Goat weed Eye Squeeze Eye; Apply to the eye once daily 39 Okro Bite/sting Squeeze External; Apply to the affected area 40 Pineapple Measles Boil fruit peels External: Bathe with it until relief Monkey sugar External; Apply to the skin 41 Chicken pox Extract juice cane Internal; 1 teaspoonful twice daily 42 Fresh egg Blood Mix with beverage Internal; 1 cup as needed 43 Hospital too far Blood Extract in water Internal; 2 glasses daily 44 Phyllanthus Labour induction Extract in water Internal; 1 cup as required 4. Conclusion There is the need to preserve the indigenous knowledge of herbal medicines; this can be done by inclusion of herbal medicine study in school s curriculum. This inclusion will impart the indigenous knowledge in the pupils as they have an advantage of preserving the indigenous knowledge by carrying on the practice of traditional medicine to their old age. Through formal training, herbal medicine will be accorded more recognition and taken more seriously. This will increase awareness in the use of simple, harmless but useful herbs. It will also 251

16 encourage some of the pupils to study herbal medicine or related courses to promote herbal medicine in the country. Now that Nigeria is preparing to legalize herbal medicine to her conventional healthcare system, studying herbal medicine from SS 2 will strengthen the system of medicine which may be incorporated into the healthcare system of the country. References Aguilar, L. (2004). "Biodiversity". Switzerland: IUCN Retrieved from Amira, C. O., & Okubadejo, N. U. (2007). Frequency of complementary and alternative medicine utilization in hypertensive patients attending an urban tertiary care centre in Nigeria. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 7, Challand, S., & Willcox, M. (2009). A clinical trial of the traditional medicine Vernonia amygdalina in the treatment of uncomplicated malaria. Journal of Altern. Complimentary Medicine Nov, 15(11), Daily Trust Newspaper, Nigeria, Feb. 28, 2012 Danesi, M. A., & Adetunji, J. B. (1994). Use of alternative medicine by patients with epilepsy: a survey of 265 epileptic patients in a developing country. Epilepsia, 35, Deda, P., & Rubian, R. (2004). Women and biodiversity: The long journey from users to policy-makers. Natural Resources Forum, 28, Dibong, S. D., Mbondo, M. E., Ngoye, A., Kwin, M. F., & Betti, J. C. (2011). Ethnobotanique etphytomédecine des plantesmédicinales de Douala, Cameroun. Journal of Applied Biosciences, 37, Dike, I. P., Obembe, O. O., & Adebiyi, F. E. (2012). Ethnobotanical survey for potential anti-malarial plants in South-western Nigeria. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. Elujoba, A. A. (1998). Pharmacognostical standardization of herbal medicine: Standardization and utilization of herbal medicine: Challenges of the 21st century. Proceedings of the 1st International Workshop on Herbal Medicinal Products Nov , Ibadan, Nigeria, pp Ekor, M. (2013). The growing use of herbal medicines: Issues relating to adverse reactions and challenges in monitoring safety. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 4, Ezekwesili, C. N., Obiorah, K. A., & Ugwu, O. P. (2004). Evaluation of anti-diarrheal effect of Ocimum gratissimum crude extract on albino rats. Biokemistri., 16(2), Retrieved from Fakeye, T. O., Adisa, R., & Musa, I. E. (2009). Attitude and use of herbal medicines among pregnant women in Nigeria. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 9, Farnsworth, N. R., & Morries, R. W. (1976). Higher plants: The sleeping giant of drug development. Am. J. Pharm., 148, Federal Republic of Nigeria. (2007) Census, Official Gazette No. 24 Vol. 94. Federal Printer, Lagos, Nigeria FGP 71/52007/2, 500 (DL24) FEPA. (1992). Nigeria: Country study report for Nigeria on costs-benefits and unmet needs of biological diversity conservation. National Biodiversity Unit, Lagos Retrieved from Ibrahim, H. A., Imam, I. A., Bello, A. M., Umar, U., Muhammad, S., & Abdullahi, S. A. (2012). The potential of Nigerian Medicinal Plants as Antimalaria Agent: A Review. International Journal of Science and Technology, 2(8), Idowu, O. A., Soniran, O. T., Ajana, O., & Aworinde, D. O. (2010). Ethnobotanical survey of antimalarial plants used in Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria. African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 4(2), Ige, O. E. (2011). Preliminary Investigation on the Ethnomedicinal Plants of Akoko Division, South West, Nigeria. Global Journal of Health Science, 3(2), Kasali, F. M., Mahano1, A. O., Nyakabwa, D. S., Kadima, N. J., Misakabu, F. M., Shibangu, D. S. T.,... Mpiana, P. T. (2014). Ethnopharmacological Survey of Medicinal Plants Used against Malaria in Bukavu City (D. R. Congo). European Journal of Medicinal Plants, 4(1),

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18 Appendix 1a: Cited plants and the diseases for which they are used Plant Cough body energy pain worm acne skin ulcer hernia apetite dislo dry labour chicken massaging pox induction throat Cation beauty Expeller tonic Vernonia amygdalina Ocimum gratissimum 1 1 Carica papaya 1 1 Mangifera indica 1 Cymbopogon citratus 1 Pennisetum purpureum Citrus x aurantifolia Psidium guajava 1 2 Telfairia occidentalis 1 Aframomum melegueta 1 2 Tetrapleura tetraptera 3 1 Uvaria chamae Helianthus anuus Talinium trangulare 2 Uvaria chamae 1 Acalypha wikesiana Aloe vera 1 1 Azadirachta indica 1 Chromolaena odorata Elaeis guineensis 1 Musa paradisiaca 1 Citrus x sinensis 1 1 Corchorus olitorius 1 Ficus exasperate Allium cepa Manihot esculenta 1 Hibiscus esculentus Ananas comosus Costus afer 1 Garcinia kola 2 Moringa oleifera 2 Bryophyllum pinnatum 1 2 Ipomea batatas Ageratum conyzoides Solanum lycopersicum 254

19 Persea Americana Honey male lizard 4 cray fish Snake Cola nitida fresh egg Jatropha tanjorensis phyllanthus amarus Appendix 1b: Cited plants and the diseases for which they are used Plant menstrual conjunc asthma fainting bite BP eczema ear navel skin ring pain tivitis healing rashes worm Vernonia amygdalina Ocimum gratissimum Carica papaya Mangifera indica Cymbopogon citratus Pennisetum purpureum Citrus x aurantifolia 1 Psidium guajava Telfairia occidentalis Aframomum melegueta Tetrapleura tetraptera Uvaria chamae Helianthus anuus Talinium trangulare Uvaria chamae Acalypha wikesiana Aloe vera 1 1 Azadirachta indica Chromolaena odorata Corchorus olitorius Ficus exasperate 1 1 Allium cepa Manihot esculenta Ficus exasperate Allium cepa 1 2 Manihot esculenta 2 Hibiscus esculentus 2 Ananas comosus 255

20 Costus afer Garcinia kola Moringa oleifera 2 Bryophyllum pinnatum Ipomea batatas Ageratum conyzoides Solanum lycopersicum Persea Americana Honey male lizard cray fish Snake 1 Cola nitida fresh egg Jatropha tanjorensis phyllanthus amarus Appendix 1c: Cited plants and the diseases for which they are used pile typhoid wound arthr weight skin clean diab diarr head eye measles inflam bleed stomach blood cattarh fever Plant itis control infection ser etes hoea ache mation ing ache Vernonia amygdalina Ocimum gratissimum Carica papaya Mangifera indica 15 1 Cymbopogon citratus Pennisetum purpureum 2 Citrus x aurantifolia Psidium guajava 1 4 Telfairia occidentalis 1 25 Aframomum melegueta Tetrapleura tetraptera - Uvaria chamae 1 2 Helianthus anuus 2 Talinium trangulare 1 Uvaria chamae 1 Acalypha wikesiana 256

21 Aloe vera Azadirachta indica 12 3 Chromolaena odorata 1 Corchorus olitorius 1 Ficus exasperate Allium cepa 1 Manihot esculenta 1 Ficus exasperate 1 Allium cepa 1 Manihot esculenta 1 2 Hibiscus esculentus Ananas comosus 1 Costus afer Garcinia kola 1 Moringa oleifera Bryophyllum pinnatum 3 Ipomea batatas 1 4 Ageratum conyzoides 1 Solanum lycopersicum 1 Persea Americana 1 Honey 1 male lizard cray fish 1 Snake Cola nitida 1 1 fresh egg 1 Jatropha tanjorensis 1 phyllanthus amarus Copyrights Copyright for this article is retained by the author(s), with first publication rights granted to the journal. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution license ( 257